If you’re looking for a quick, soul-satisfying meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner is your new best friend. This dish weaves tender chicken, aromatic garlic, creamy sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan through perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, cozy, and comes together in just about half an hour — making it the kind of weeknight delight you’ll want to make on repeat. Every forkful brings a little magic, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the secret: Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner is built on a handful of staple ingredients, chosen for maximum taste with minimal effort. Each plays an essential role — from the savory garlic to the creamy finish — ensuring the final dish hits all the right notes.

Pasta (8 oz fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape; fettuccine or penne cling beautifully to the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (2, cut into bite-sized pieces): Thighs are a touch juicier, but chicken breast keeps things lean and light.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water for deeper flavor.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle, savory kick that balances the buttery sauce.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Layers extra garlic flavor into the chicken itself.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the chicken brown beautifully and infuses the dish with richness.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): The star ingredient for that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth; don’t skimp!
Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A pinch of herbs brings rustic, Italian-inspired notes.
Heavy cream or chicken broth (½ cup): Use cream for ultimate richness, broth for a lighter, savory finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth.
Reserved pasta water (¼ cup): Key for silky-smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles.
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes: Parsley adds freshness, while red pepper flakes bring a touch of heat — garnish to taste!

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until just al dente — you want it to have a little bite left, since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Before you drain the pasta, remember to scoop out ¼ cup of the starchy cooking water; it’s pure liquid gold for getting your sauce glossy and perfect later on.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta bubbles away, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and, once shimmering, add the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan — you want each piece to get golden and wonderfully crisp on the edges, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower your skillet heat to medium and drop in the butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir constantly — you’re not looking to brown the garlic, just toasting it slightly until it’s fragrant, which takes about 1–2 minutes. That sizzling garlicky aroma is the heart of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner!

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream (or chicken broth) and let the mixture bubble gently for a few minutes. Add the Parmesan, stirring until it melts into a smooth, luscious sauce. The cheese will help thicken everything up and lend a dreamy silkiness that tastes restaurant-worthy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce evenly coats every noodle and bit of chicken. The starchy water marries everything together — don’t skip it! Taste and adjust salt or pepper, then serve it up hot, ideally right out of the pan for maximum coziness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner

Garnishes

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, or go for red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a little heat. You could even add some extra Parm or a squeeze of lemon for an extra bright, tangy hit — the sky’s the limit!

Side Dishes

Keep things classic and simple with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon or balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread is always welcome, perfect for swiping up any lingering sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus make the meal extra satisfying — and a little more virtuous, if you’re feeling the need!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try twirling the pasta in a nest using tongs for neat individual servings, or pile it high in a big, beautiful bowl for family-style dinners. Serve it in pasta bowls with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even portion it into pre-warmed cups for a fun party appetizer spin on Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of water or milk when reheating brings it right back to life, making this dish just as tempting the second time around.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner in portions. Let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate a little upon thawing, but a quick stir while reheating usually solves the problem.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth, cream, or even water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently, covering for a minute or two to steam everything evenly. The microwave works too — just cover and reheat in short bursts, stirring between to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shredded or diced rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply add it to the sauce just long enough to heat through before tossing everything together.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

While any pasta will soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce, fettuccine and penne are especially great because their shape helps hold onto all those creamy bits. But if spaghetti is all you have, you’ll still end up with a delicious meal!

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for regular and double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should work just fine — you won’t sacrifice flavor.

Is it possible to lighten up the recipe?

Certainly — use chicken breast instead of thighs and opt for broth instead of cream to cut down on calories. You can also toss in extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the chicken, and add more veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. The garlic butter and Parmesan make even meat-free versions of this dish totally irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting and crave-worthy, don’t wait another minute to try Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner. It’s the perfect blend of quick cooking, effortless cleanup, and full-on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, I promise this dish will earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a go, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, a delectable dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

Chicken:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup heavy cream or chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water

Optional Garnish:

Chopped parsley or red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and Italian seasoning in butter. Stir in cream or broth, then add Parmesan until melted.
Combine and Serve: Toss chicken and pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Garnish and serve hot.